School's mock crash could test fire company ban

An ordinance banning the Perdix Fire Company from fire-fighting activities in Penn Twp. might be put to the test if the fire company participates in Susquenita High School's mock crash.

At Susquenita School District's school board meeting Monday night, district officials said they had been contacted by a party not named about Perdix's involvement in the April 30 event.

"We were told if we don't comply, Penn Township will shut us down," Superintendent Dan Sheats said. "I'm unaware if Penn Township has control (in the matter).'

Township police chief Paul Sheaffer said should Perdix participate, he would have no choice but to hand out citations.

"There's a law on the books. If I don't do something, I could be negligent," Sheaffer said.

That law, adopted in January, prohibits Perdix Fire Company from operating in Penn Twp. and violators of the ordinance would be guilty of a summary offense and upon conviction subject to a fine of up to $300 and to serve up to 30 days in jail.

Currently, the sole provider of fire coverage in the township is Duncannon Fire Company, which reached an agreement with the township in December.

Jodi Rissinger, president of Perdix Fire Company, declined to comment about the situation to reporters.

Kraig Nace of Duncannon EMS said his organization would be unable to participate in the event unless it received a letter from the school district and proof of insurance from all entities involved.

Nace voiced concerns to the board about the event, stating he understood Perdix would be the only fire company involved in the event, and did not want the district involved in a legal and political struggle.

"I hope it's a clerical matter. We want to participate for the students," Nace said.

Board member Jonathan Bigley said the district intends to do an educational program, and hopes the township would be cooperative in the school's efforts.

"Penn Twp. has no authority to dictate who we use as an educational consultant," Bigley said.

Sheats said he was concerned that the township was attempting to tell the district what companies could participate. He said other entities who usually participate have questioned Perdix's involvement.

"I don't want the district to be in the middle of a political situation," Sheats said.

Participants in the past have included emergency organizations from Marysville, Duncannon, Watts Twp., New Buffalo and Cumberland County.

Sheaffer said he contacted Perdix officials and firefighters about their participation, and told reporters that they would be putting themselves at risk. He said he has the support of the Perry County district attorney's office.

"As it stands, the letter of the law is there," Sheaffer said.

The ordinance currently is in litigation. Perdix filed suit against the township, and asked for the ordinance to be found invalid.